Warm Their Hearts with Homemade Gifts

Homemade gifts—especially when made by kids—become some of the sweetest holiday keepsakes. In my house, it’s a favorite December ritual: Christmas music playing, mugs of apple cider and all of us around the kitchen table making something for the people we love. Over the years, we’ve packaged spice tea, glued sequins onto felt to make simple ornaments and even made bookmarks with little drawings.

This year, one of my daughters has been busy sewing pillows for her grandparents and aunts. She’s learning to thread a needle, but she’s also learning that gifts don’t have to be perfect to mean something.

My favorite ornaments are the homemade ones—the handprints, the crooked popsicle-stick stars, the ones with scribbled names and preschool photos glued inside. These ornaments are some of my greatest treasures and proof that the simplest projects can become the most memorable.

If you’re looking for ideas this season, try a homemade food gift. They’re thoughtful, kid-friendly and often cost far less than trinkets picked up at a store. We pulled together a few easy recipes that make wonderful gifts for neighbors, teachers and family.

Young kids will need some help making this bread. Make these loaves in advance and freeze until you’re ready to give. Wrap them well in aluminum foil and then in festive holiday wrapping, finished with a bow.

Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Bread

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup orange juice
• 1 cup cranberries, chopped
• ½ cup chopped pecans

1. Blend sugar, butter and egg together in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well. Pour into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes.

Let the kids make tags to tie onto each jar. This recipe makes 3 pint-size jars. It can easily be doubled.

Holiday Cocoa Mix

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups powdered milk
• 1 ¼ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer to 3 pint-size jars. Store for up to six months.
2. To make a mug of hot chocolate, combine ½ cup mix with ¾ cup hot water in a mug. Stir well until frothy.

Family and friends will love this nut mix. With all the holiday sweets around, it’s great to have something savory. Kids will need help with the oven but can otherwise make this one themselves. Package in small glass jars tied with ribbon.

Sweet and Spicy Nut Mix

• 2 cups raw cashews
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 2 cups raw almonds
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 egg whites

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine cashews, pecans and almonds in a bowl.
2. Whisk together sugar, cinnamon, cayenne and salt in a second bowl. Whisk together egg whites and 2 tablespoons water in a third bowl until thick and frothy. Add egg white mixture to nuts and stir until coated. Divide nuts among prepared baking sheets and spread in a single layer.
3. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, stirring and rotating pans halfway through. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

This recipe is perfect for teens or older kids who want to take the lead. The steps are simple, and the finished jars look beautiful tied with ribbon. Let them give it a name, like Ben’s Best Granola or Ella’s Holiday Blend.

Family Favorite Granola

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups old-fashioned oats
• 2/3 cup butter
• ¼ cup honey
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped dates

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add oats, tossing to coat in oil and toasting, just until beginning to turn brown. Remove from heat, setting oats aside.
2. In the same skillet, add butter, honey and brown sugar, cooking over medium heat until mixture bubbles. Add cinnamon and vanilla. Remove from heat. Add oats back to sauté pan, stirring until coated. Add nuts and dried fruit, stirring to coat.
3. Spread granola in a single layer on baking sheets. Bake for 10-15 minutes, watching to make sure granola doesn’t turn dark.

Note: Granola will crisp after cooling. Store in airtight containers for up to three weeks.

From Kitchen to Gift Bag

Dress It Up

Mason jars or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon instantly make simple treats look special. For bread, wrap loaves tightly in foil, then add festive paper and a bow.

Add a Tag

Let the kids make their own gift tags with markers, stickers or stamps. Include the recipe name and a note like “Enjoy within three weeks” or “Stir into hot milk.”

Think Small

For cocoa mix or nuts, use small jars. It’s enough for a treat without being overwhelming.

Use What You Have

Clean jam jars and recycled ribbon make cute packaging and keep the cost low.

Make It Personal

Kids can give their creations a name—Ben’s Best Granola or Ella’s Holiday Blend—and write it on the tag.

Natalie Mikles is a mom of three. She writes about food, sharing recipes for busy families and picky eaters. Natalie Mikles has been recognized for her food columns as well as features on families and issues affecting local children. She loves pizza and movie nights with her family.